Frank's Musings

Humans need myths in order to make sense of the world.  Not all of us are motivated to guide our behavior in ways that benefit the welfare of others, or of those who will be living after we die.  History implies that billions of humans have existed before us, from which we conclude that many more will exist in the future.  But we would not expect to witness that as a reality unless we were convinced of an irrational, personally unobservable presumption:  the world continues to exist after our physical consciousness is permanently extinguished.

Anyone who doubts that postulate can be a threat to society’s order.  However, generalizing that presumption requires a common belief, or suspension of disbelief, in the existence of a reality that cannot personally be observed.  Such a belief can be arrived at through independent analysis, or it can be instilled or imposed by trusted or autocratic authorities.  The ancient world was most commonly ordered by a variety of mythologies.  In the modern world, the most widespread spiritual orders are either religions or secular philosophies.   Some of us rely solely on autonomous humanitarian principles.  

There is a remainder of mankind that unashamedly acts in their own short-term interests--carpe diem.  Ultimately, it is impossible for this to be a universal lifestyle; but apparently its promise of personal advantage can tempt unthinking people to abandon the long-term welfare of the community.  Consequently, political leaders have often shared power with religious philosophers in order to maintain control in the simplest way, without demanding deep philosophical thought.  Religions inspire the population to place borders on their self-interest.